Clash of Fans: Call of Duty Warzone and Fortnite
Tom: I knew I was getting the full Warzone experience when it’s taken this long – until the very end of the week – to get both of our games downloaded and up to date with the latest 100GB+ version. What on earth is taking up all that space? How big are those bunkers? It feels like I have downloaded a full AAA game rather than a free-to-play battle royale, but I guess I also sort of have. The way Warzone has launched as a free part of Modern Warfare, and the way it feels like it will stick around with some longevity as opposed to… whatever that earlier COD battle royale was, is being well handled. Is that part of the reason you’ve stuck around with it?
Wes: I just think it’s the best battle royale out at the moment. A lot of that has to do with the feel of the game. The feel of the shooting is superb. And some of the mechanics mean you’re more invested in each match. The Gulag, for example, is a genius addition to the battle royale mode, not just because it gives you a second chance, but because it gives you this exciting 1v1 situation. Oh, and I love throwing rocks at players.
I’m curious, as a Fortnite player, do you think Warzone could potentially take you away from that game?
Tom: In a word no. But that’s more for why I personally play Fortnite rather than anything Warzone does. It’s really interesting to compare them – not least because all these battle royale games, Apex being another big example, crib each other constantly. One of the things I was thinking while playing today was – what ideas could I see Fortnite taking on? I don’t know if I could see the Gulag mechanic there but it fits Warzone perfectly. It’s much sweatier and calls back to those 1v1 COD matches Fortnite does not have any heritage with. I think that was the main surprise for me in Warzone’s formula. I had definitely expected a good feel to the gunplay! Fortnite could learn there for sure.
Let’s Play Call of Duty: Warzone Gameplay – LET’S RECON UPDATE 1.21! Watch on YouTube
Wes: Battle passes are key in free battle royales. Warzone is limited in that it can’t sell any weapon skins or character outfits that are too outrageous. It’s all supposed to be super serious Modern Warfare, right? And it’s first-person, so you don’t see your character as you’re playing. I barely look at my weapon skin as I’m playing, I’m too busy aiming down the sights. And who has time to look at their watch?
